January 1, 2025

My life was ordinary, peaceful, and predictable. That was until I enrolled in the prestigious Academy for Heirs. As the sole heir to the powerful Rodriguez family, I, Zyra Elinor Rodriguez, had been groomed to inherit the throne.

At 18, I had already learned the intricacies of ruling, diplomacy, and strategy. But there was one thing I knew nothing about: love. My family had forbidden it, vowing to never show weakness after my grandmother's passing and my mother's tragic accident.

As I walked through the academy's hallway on that fateful Monday morning, I stumbled upon a boy who would change everything. Literally.

I fell, and he rushed to help me up, apologizing profusely. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bump into you," he said, his voice sincere.

"Ok, just help me get up at least," I replied.

He helped me up, and I brushed myself off. "I'm so sorry, I really didn't mean that," he said again.

I rolled my eyes. "I know, so stop apologizing!! Gosh!!"

He chuckled. "Haha, okay,so-."

"Again?!" I teased.

He grinned. "That was close, okay? Now we're clear, can I go now? I'm late... ."

I smiled, feeling a spark of connection. "Owh, I'm sorry, haha."

And with that, our awkward encounter came to an end. But I couldn't shake off the feeling that our lives had just intersected in a way that would alter my destiny forever.

Little did I know, this chance encounter would set off a chain reaction of events that would challenge everything I thought I knew about love, family, and myself.

I arrived at the perfect time and quickly scanned the classroom. The room was filled with unfamiliar faces, all chatting and laughing with each other. I spotted an empty seat, but to my surprise, the boy who bumped into me earlier was sitting right next to it. This is going to be awkward.

The teacher arrived, and I swiftly took the available seat. I didn't have a choice, considering I arrived late. The boy, on the other hand, had the luxury of choosing his seat. He glanced at me with a hint of a smile, and I quickly looked away.

As the class began, the teacher asked if we were happy about our first day. Honestly, I hadn't given it much thought. My father always taught me to focus on learning and not get distracted. I nodded politely along with the other students.

The teacher then asked for our first impressions of the academy. I thought to myself, "What a silly question." I expected something more challenging, like a question about politics. To my surprise, the teacher called on me.

"Zyra, would you like to share your thoughts?" I stood up, wondering why I was always the one being asked. The boy next to me leaned back in his chair, watching me with interest.

"I didn't really give it much thought," I replied. "But if you'd like my honest opinion, I'd be happy to share. My first impression was that it felt like every other academy I've attended. I'm here to learn and represent the Rodriguez Royal family. I didn't come here to share my thoughts or socialize."

The teacher responded, "You're not just here to learn, Zyra. You're here to interact with others and build relationships that will benefit you in the future." I thought to myself, "I never thought of it that way."

The teacher thanked me and proceeded with the lesson. As the class continued, I couldn't help but think, "I hope I didn't mess up." The boy next to me caught my eye and whispered, "You did fine." I smiled slightly, feeling a bit more at ease.

The rest of the lesson passed quickly, and before I knew it, the teacher was dismissing us. As I packed up my things, the boy turned to me and said, "I'm Neo, the man who accidentally bumped into you early."

I smiled and replied, "I'm Zyra. Nice to meet you. Still, I can't forget that you're the reason I'm a bit late, and I didn't get to choose my own seat, but instead, I had no choice but to sit with you."

He smiled and said, "I know, that's why I'm here to make it up to you. Would you mind coming with me to buy you lunch?"

I replied, "No, I have my own lunch. Anyway, it's already past lunchtime, so I don't care anymore."

After our brief talk, I walked away, leaving him behind. As I left the classroom, I felt something strange - a longing and a sense of satisfaction. I couldn't explain why, but I couldn't help but think about Neo.

Maybe this academy wouldn't be so bad after all.

"January 2, 2025.

After that day, I couldn't shake off the thoughts of him. This unfamiliar feeling has taken over me - a mix of longing and regret. I keep wondering what if I had accepted his offer.

It's a strange sensation, like a new chapter unfolding before me. But I'm determined to focus on myself, on my studies, and not let my heart wander.

...

I sat at my desk, studying the pages of my book, my mind focused on the tasks ahead. My maid, Maria, knocked and entered the room. "The king requests your presence, Princess," she said.

I stood up, smoothing out my dress, and followed Maria to the throne room. My father, the king, looked at me with a serious expression. "How are you, child?" he asked.

"I'm fine, Father," I replied, my voice steady.

My father nodded. "There are things you need to attend to, child. Tonight, we have dinner. I expect to see improvement."

I nodded, my mind already racing with thoughts of the dinner ahead. I turned to leave, my footsteps echoing off the stone floor.

As I walked back to my room, I thought about the tasks ahead. I had to make sure I was prepared for dinner, that I had all the necessary information at my fingertips. I spent the rest of the afternoon studying and reviewing my notes, my mind focused on the challenges ahead.

As the sun began to set, I got ready for dinner, my movements swift and efficient. I made my way to the dining hall, where my father and grandfather were already seated.

We sat down to eat, and my father began to ask me questions, testing my knowledge and my skills. "Zyra, imagine that a neighboring kingdom is threatening to attack us. What would you do?" he asked, his eyes piercing.

I didn't hesitate, my mind racing with the possibilities. "I would gather our military leaders and discuss the best course of action. We would need to assess the strength of the enemy and determine the most effective way to defend our kingdom."

My father nodded, his expression unreadable. "And what if the enemy offers a peace treaty, but at a great cost to our kingdom?"

I thought for a moment before responding, my mind weighing the pros and cons. "I would consider the terms of the treaty and weigh the pros and cons. If the cost is too great, I would reject the treaty and prepare for war."

My father sat up straight, his eyes never leaving mine. "And what about the people of our kingdom? How would you protect them?"

I didn't flinch, my mind focused on the task at hand. "I would do whatever it takes to protect them. I would make the difficult decisions, even if they are unpopular."

My father nodded, a small smile on his face. "You show promise, Zyra. But remember, being a ruler is not just about making decisions. It's about having the strength and courage to see them through."

I nodded, my expression neutral, my mind already focused on the next challenge ahead.

As we finished dinner, my father turned to me with a serious expression. "Zyra, do you know what love is?" he asked.

I looked at him, my expression confident. "Yes, Father. Love is a feeling of affection and devotion to another person."

My father nodded, his eyes searching mine. "And what does it feel like?"

I didn't hesitate, my mind focused on the task at hand. "I don't need to know what it feels like, Father. What's important is my duty and responsibility as a princess."

My father nodded, a small smile on his face. "Good, Zyra. You're focused on your duties. That's what a true ruler needs to be.".

All of this was a test, questioning me about politics and love, ensuring that I was capable of ruling and obedient to their orders. Nothing would have been the same if that incident had not occurred.

That day, I was in elementary school, and we had an activity where we were supposed to bring our mothers to school the next day for Mother's Day. I was a bit worried, but my father called me to say that my mother was recovering, so she might be able to come. However, my mother was not allowed to exert herself too much, as she might relapse. I was excited at the prospect of my mother coming!

But after that day, my entire life changed. My mother, who was supposed to have recovered, had an accident on her way to the hospital for a check-up. The car she was riding in broke down, resulting in the accident.

I was devastated, unable to stop crying until I collapsed from excessive grief. The day after, I woke up feeling heavy with sadness, never having imagined that my mother would pass away on the day I was so eager to bring her to school.

That day, my father held a funeral, and I saw him crying uncontrollably at my mother's gravesite. It was also the day he promised my mother that he would put an end to the curse.

Our family is cursed, a curse bestowed upon us by the goddess. Our ancestor fell in love with the goddess, but when the day that he became king, his love for her gradually faded. He took another woman as queen and had a child with her, enraging the goddess, who then cursed our family. The curse states that whenever a member of our family falls deeply in love, the day they truly surrender to that love and realize they would sacrifice everything for it will be the day their lover meets their demise.

That's why my father sorrowfully announced that I was forbidden from learning about love or experiencing it for myself. As the sole heir, I, Zyra Elinor Rodrigez, was destined to become a honorable queen.

*The Unexpected Visitor*

I lay in bed, surrounded by the opulent furnishings of my bedchamber, fast asleep. But my peaceful slumber was shattered by a loud noise outside my door. I sat up with a start, my heart racing.

"Marie!!" I exclaimed, throwing off the covers. "What's going on? Why is there a commotion outside?" I shouted, but my loyal maid didn't respond.

The noise persisted, and I grew more agitated by the second. I tossed aside the velvet drapes and strode to the door, flinging it open myself.

Marie stood outside, looking frazzled. "I'm so sorry, Princess," she apologized. "It's because Prince Leon is here."

I felt a jolt of surprise. My cousin, Prince Leon? What was he doing here?

I turned to Marie, demanding answers. "What's going on, Marie? Why is My cousin, Prince Leon here?"

But before Marie could respond, a familiar voice spoke up from behind her.

"Hello, can't you see me?" Prince Leon said, his voice low and smooth.

I spun around, and my eyes widened in shock. Prince Leon stood in the doorway, a mischievous glint in his eye.

"W-WHAT THE...?!" I stuttered, trying to compose myself. "Leo, what the hell are you doing here in the middle of the night?" I asked, still trying to process the surprise visit.

Prince Leon chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Middle of the night? Princess Zyra, I think you're still sleepy. It's already morning," he said with a smile, correcting me.

I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as I realized my mistake.

I couldn’t believe myself that I slept so late. "Oh, um, excuse me," I stuttered, trying to compose myself. "Thank you for correcting me, but it seems you couldn’t wait outside and instead barged into my bedchamber!" I exclaimed, trying to keep my tone light despite my growing annoyance.

Prince Leon chuckled. "Haha, cuz, aren’t I your cousin? So isn’t it unfair for you to scold me using etiquette?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

I countered, my voice rising. "So, just because you’re my cousin, you think you can be disrespectful? Does that mean I should lack etiquette?"

Before Prince Leon could respond, Marie interrupted, her voice urgent. "Princess, there’s an urgent matter that requires your attention."

I quickly excused myself, saying, "I apologize, Prince Leon, but I need to attend to my appearance. Please, give me a moment."

Prince Leon nodded and smiled. "Of course, cuz. I’ll wait for you in the throne room."

As Prince Leon left, I let out a sigh of relief. I quickly washed up and got dressed, my mind racing with the sudden turn of events. Marie helped me with my hair and makeup, and soon I was ready to face whatever lay ahead.

Here, highnesses, the princess is here, Your Majesty. Before the doors opened, I heard laughter—the laughter that I never heard, not until today.

"Your Majesty, the king," I curtsied, greeting my father.

My father, who looked at me for a second, suddenly looked back at Leo. I suddenly thought, Haha, I never saw him so happy like this before. He gave me cold shoulders, but now he seems happy with my cousin, just the two of them, like father and son. I suddenly felt happy but bitter.

"Um, I’m sorry, Your Majesty, but Princess Zyra is here," Marie respectfully interrupted.

"Oh, Princess Zyra is here?" the king asked, smiling.

I felt happiness; he smiled while calling me. Haha, I didn’t know. The king added.

My smile suddenly faded away. I should not expect.

"Uncle! Haha, don’t joke like that in front of Zyra," Leo explained, laughing.

I interrupted, my voice firm. "Prince Leon, you should not speak to His Majesty without using his title. And you should address me by my title as a princess of this country and the sole heir to the throne."

But I was just joking, Leo explained.

"Even so, it’s not proper for a prince to speak to the king or the future queen in such a manner," I countered.

Before I could finish, my father suddenly shouted at me. "Princess Zyra! Don’t talk to Leo like that!"

I flinched, taken aback by my father’s sudden outburst. "But, Your Majesty, I was just trying to correct Prince Leon’s behavior."

My father’s expression turned cold. "You should address me as the king, not father. And you should not scold Prince Leon in such a manner."

I bowed my head, feeling a surge of shame and anger. "I apologize, Your Majesty. I will keep it in mind."

The king nodded, his expression softening slightly. "Now, Zyra, do you have any complaints?"

I shook my head, feeling a lump form in my throat. "No, Your Majesty."

The king nodded again. "Very well. You may leave now.."

I curtsied, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. "Yes, Your Majesty."

As I left the throne room, I said to myself, I said I was the future queen, so why can’t I control my tears and myself? How can I be the perfect queen he expects?

——————POV

Bedchamber

I was reading a book when I heard a knock on my door. "Marie," I called out.

"Yes, Your Highness," Marie replied.

"Marie, someone is knocking on the door. Go check it," I ordered.

Marie quickly got up and opened the door. "Oh, Your Majesty," she curtsied.

I quickly turned around, surprised to see my father standing in the doorway. "Father—no, Your Majesty," I corrected myself. "Why did you come to my chambers? Do you need something?" I asked, trying to keep my tone neutral.

My father’s expression was stern. "I came to remind you that you will be staying at the School doorms for Heirs.

"But, Your Majesty..." I protested, my voice trembling with suppressed rage. "I'm might be the heir to the throne, but I'm still the third most powerful princess! I just can’t stay a school doormat."

"You're just staying there temporarily because your cousin doesn't have any available rooms," my father said.

"But, Your Majesty, it's unfair for me," I protested. "I'm the Crown Princess, soon to be Queen. Staying there simply because of my cousin's circumstances isn't a valid reason for me to be treated this way. Am I merely a crown princess in name only?"

My father's response was cold and calculated. "You are not just the crown princess by name. You are the heir and the future queen. And remember, you are not my daughter but the sole heir to the throne."

"But, Your Majesty, hear me out," I began, but before I could finish, His Majesty cut me off, shouting, "Crown Princess Zyra!". I flinched, struggling to keep my composure. "I'm here to let you know, not asking you . And "I don’t need your permission. I’m the king."

He added, his voice firm, "Keep your self-control, or I might see you with failures." With that, my father left.

"Princess Zyra," Marie whispered , tears welling up in my eyes. "I don’t know what’s in the king’s mind, but letting you stay at the school doormat for heirs might create a big commotion because it’s likely a sign that you are no longer needed."

"Marie, just pack my things," I instructed my maid, trying to hold back my emotions. "We can’t defy His Majesty."

"Yes, Crown Princess Zyra," Marie replied, her voice soft and respectful.

As Marie left, I couldn’t help but let myself cry. I don’t know if I can hold it forever, but I will try to hold on. The only thing that holds me this far is what His Majesty told me – that I should hold myself up if the day came that Father needs to be cold to me so that the curse will stop.

I believe Father, and that’s why I’m holding on to that. But I don’t know if it’s because of the curse or maybe Father totally turned cold to me. I just hope that it was because he wanted to protect me and not to punish me.